A Lighthouse That Helped Modernize Japan
Kashinosaki Lighthouse was designed by British engineer Richard Henry Brunton, who is often called the “Father of Japanese Lighthouses.” During the final years of the Edo Period and the beginning of the Meiji Period, Japan rapidly expanded its international trade and maritime connections. Modern Western-style lighthouses became essential for improving navigation and protecting ships along the country’s coastline.
Kashinosaki Lighthouse was one of eight lighthouses promised under the Edo Treaty, an agreement concluded in 1866 between the Tokugawa shogunate and four Western countries. Construction began in 1869, and the lighthouse was first illuminated on July 8, 1870.
It was one of the first full-scale stone lighthouses constructed in Japan and featured an advanced rotating flashing light for its time. The project represents an important chapter in Japan’s rapid adoption of Western technology during the Meiji Restoration.
Traditional Stone and Western Engineering
The lighthouse was constructed using a volcanic rock known as Utsugi-ishi, quarried in the Kose River area. Although relatively compact in size, the building has a solid and dignified appearance.
Its combination of locally sourced stone and Western lighthouse engineering illustrates how Japan incorporated foreign technology while making use of materials and craftsmanship from its own regions.
A Spectacular Lighthouse on the Pacific Cliffs
One of the greatest attractions of Kashinosaki Lighthouse is its spectacular location. Standing at the easternmost point of Kii-Oshima Island, the lighthouse is surrounded by steep sea cliffs and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
Although the interior of the lighthouse is not open to the public, visitors can use an exterior spiral staircase to reach an observation area and enjoy the magnificent coastal scenery.
From the viewpoint, visitors can look across the Kumano Sea toward the distant coastline around Taiji. On clear days, the horizon appears to stretch endlessly across the Pacific.
Far below, powerful waves crash against the cliffs, offering an impressive reminder of the immense natural forces that have shaped this coastline over countless years.
A Beautiful Sunrise and Sunset Viewpoint
The cape is especially atmospheric around sunrise and sunset. The changing light transforms the ocean and cliffs into dramatic shades of gold and blue, making the lighthouse a popular destination for photography.
A Winter Landscape Filled with Daffodils
During winter, the area surrounding Kashinosaki Lighthouse becomes covered with delicate daffodils.
According to local tradition, British engineers who worked on the lighthouse during the Meiji Period planted the flowers because they reminded them of their homeland.
Every winter, white daffodils sway in the sea breeze and fill the area with their gentle fragrance. The contrast between the blue Pacific Ocean, white lighthouse, and white flowers creates a beautiful seasonal landscape unique to Cape Kashino.
The Lighthouse and the Ertugrul Disaster
Kashinosaki Lighthouse is also closely connected with one of the most important stories in the history of Japanese-Turkish friendship: the disaster involving the Ottoman warship Ertugrul.
On September 16, 1890, the Ottoman frigate Ertugrul encountered a powerful typhoon while sailing off Kashinosaki. The ship struck reefs near the cape and sank, resulting in the deaths of more than 500 people.
According to historical accounts, survivors struggled ashore in the darkness and made their way toward Kashinosaki Lighthouse, using its light as a guide through the dangerous cliffs.
The People of Kushimoto and the Survivors
Local residents responded to the disaster despite the severe storm conditions. They worked through the night to rescue survivors, providing them with food, shelter, and medical care.
The compassion shown by the people of Kushimoto became an enduring symbol of friendship between Japan and Turkey. More than a century later, the story continues to play an important role in the relationship between the two countries.
Near the lighthouse, visitors can also find the Turkish Warship Ertugrul Memorial Monument and the Turkish Memorial Museum. These sites provide an opportunity to learn about the tragedy, the rescue efforts, and the long-lasting bonds of friendship that developed from this event.
A Meiji-Era Lighthouse Keeper’s Residence
Near the lighthouse stands the former Kashinosaki Lighthouse Keeper’s Residence, where lighthouse keepers once lived while maintaining the facility.
The residence was also designed by Richard Henry Brunton and is recognized as one of Japan’s oldest surviving stone lighthouse keeper’s residences. It has been registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
The building underwent restoration work in 2010, carefully recreating aspects of its original appearance. Details such as the plastered exterior walls and wood-grain-painted window frames reveal the Western-style architectural techniques introduced during the Meiji Period.
The residence is open to visitors and offers a valuable glimpse into the lives of the people who operated lighthouses during a crucial period of Japan’s modernization.
Nature, History, and International Friendship on Kii-Oshima
The area around Kashinosaki Lighthouse offers many other attractions. Nearby Umikongo is famous for its dramatic rocky coastline, while the Turkish Memorial Museum tells the story of the relationship between Kushimoto and Turkey.
The Japan-U.S. Friendship Memorial Museum also introduces the history of Japan’s early diplomatic and cultural exchanges with the United States.
Further afield, visitors can explore the natural attractions of southern Wakayama, including Kushimoto Marine Park, Cape Shiono, and Hashigui-iwa Rocks.
The waters around Kushimoto are enriched by the warm Kuroshio Current, making the region popular for diving, fishing, whale watching, and other marine activities.
How to Reach Kashinosaki Lighthouse
By Bus
From Kushimoto Station on the JR Kisei Main Line, take the Kushimoto Town Community Bus bound for the Oshima area. Get off at the Kashino Lighthouse Entrance bus stop and continue on foot.
By Car
Kii-Oshima Island is connected to the mainland by the Kushimoto Bridge, making the lighthouse easily accessible by car.
The drive itself is an enjoyable part of the journey, with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline along the way.
A Historic Landmark with Magnificent Ocean Views
Kashinosaki Lighthouse is much more than a navigation aid. It is a place where the story of Japan’s modernization, the history of Japanese-Turkish friendship, and the spectacular natural beauty of the Kii Peninsula come together.
For more than 150 years, the white lighthouse has continued to stand above the cliffs and guide ships across the Pacific. Its enduring presence is a reminder of the technological changes that transformed Japan during the Meiji Period.
At the same time, the nearby memorials preserve the memory of the Ertugrul disaster and the remarkable kindness shown by local residents to the survivors.
When visiting Kushimoto, take time to explore Kashinosaki Lighthouse and its surrounding historic sites. With its panoramic ocean views, historic architecture, seasonal daffodils, and powerful stories of international friendship, the cape offers a memorable experience where nature and history meet.